The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors unanimously voted on Tuesday to allow its athletes to profit of their name, image and likeness, as first reported by On3.
Florida is not the first high school state association to adopt a college-style NIL rules -- it's the 36th, in fact. The Sunshine State is arguably the most impactful state to join the fray, given the number of quality athletes within its borders. California, Georgia and Louisiana are among the states permitting NIL activities, and the fear of losing elite athletes to other states was among one of the stated reasons for adopting the NIL policy.
Florida was among the first states to pass a law permitting NIL rules for its college athletes, passing its law back in 2020. That move was part of a groundswell that forced the NCAA to adopt a national NIL policy that went into effect on July 1, 2021.
With Florida now joining the fray, Alabama, Ohio and Texas are the biggest states left to officially bar high school athletes from making money off their status as high school athletes.
Florida's law differs from in that Bylaw 9.9.4.4 prohibits its schools and/or booster clubs from forming collectives to elicit funds from donors or businesses. Athletes who transfer in-season are also barred from entering into any form of NIL agreement for the season following a transfer, unless a waiver is approved.
Florida athletes are also prohibited from using their school's jersey, logos, or other identifying marks for their school or the FHSAA.
Will those guardrails prevent Florida high schools from entering into a period of full-blown free agency? We'll find out.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.